Self Control
I've been thinking a lot lately about the whole concept of self control. My son Caleb wears a t-shirt from college that quotes Prov. 25:28- "Like a city whose walls are broken down is man who lacks self control." Peter tells us here in verse 7 that we should be clear minded and self controlled. Within the very concept of self control is implied the idea that we can't do everything we naturally desire. That in and of itself is contrary to what is being taught in the world. Advertising that bombards us every day tells us that if it feels good...do it. Self control implies that there are things we should not do even though we desire them. Both Peter and Paul teach that we should live by something other than our individual desires. In verse 2 Peter tells us that we should live according to the will of God. So I'm struck by the fact that contained within this whole chapter is also the concept of suffering. In other words, it is assumed that if we are going to live according to the will of God, it will not be according to our personal desires, whims, or wants. Not only that, but in the process, we will suffer. Not exactly a great recruiting strategy for the Christian faith, but yet there it is. If life is going along just like we planned it...comfortable and pleasant...there probably is a problem with our walk. If life is a struggle...filled with uncertainty, unfulfilled desires and perhaps some suffering...then we're more likely on the right track.
